Paul Finley is a guitar virtuoso who takes storytelling to a place beyond words.

His sound harnesses the breadth of Jimmy Page, the passion of Rodrigo y Gabriela, and the intimacy of Leo Kottke. A true journeyman who explores the depths of human joy and pain through the universal language – music.

“I always have the guitar with me. It’s my paintbrush”.

His third CD, “The Butterfly” was released on New Bell Recordings. The music narrates the story of the subject – war, nature, people and romance.

“I write them almost like a pop song. They need a hook, and they need drama too. A balance of theme, change and return. I want to make songs for everybody, not just guitar players.”

Paul can shred with the best of them! His unique melody strumming creates the sound of multiple guitars from one instrument. A hallmark of Paul’s music is the way the songs get stuck in your head.

Quotes:

Before I was introduced to the music of Paul Finley, I would have told you that lyrics are the most important part of a song. Now I say that lyrics sometimes aren’t necessary at all—especially if the person behind the guitar is Paul Finley. Paul can spin a yarn without speaking one single word. He paints the most vivid pictures through each strum…every rhythm…every note. If you close your eyes when you listen, you will be certain you’re listening to band of guitars instead of only one. When Paul Finley plays for you, you don’t miss words. They simply aren’t needed.
— Dana Wright of The Agape Sessions

The late Ray Charles once said, “The way I see it, we’re actors, but musical ones. We’re doing it with notes, and lyrics with notes, telling a story.” Ray Charles would have deeply loved the guitar of Paul Finley.
— Roy H. Williams of Wizard Academy

Paul has performed for many years in Austin as a soloist, a theater musician, a children’s performer, and with an Austin Celtic and Cajun band (Glenn Glaz/Bayou Beaujolais), and has performed with the Austin Symphony Orchestra and Phil Keaggy.

Paul has been teaching guitar for over 25 years.

*Currently, Paul’s teaching schedule is full.*

If you would like to be on the waiting list for private lessons (Austin, TX) let him know via the contact form. He also offers one-time lessons while on the road. Subscribe to his mailing list if you’d like to keep up with his touring schedule and new releases.

Spoken Groove opened for or appeared with the likes of Jars Of Clay, Water Deep, Lost & Found, Mercy Me, Amy Grant, Shaun Groves, Mitch McVicker, and David Crowder. Other touring venues included universities, clubs, colleges, poetry slams, coffee houses, schools, churches, prison, youth camps, homes, and even a classy Waffle House parking lot.

Mas Optica 1985 to 1996

Mas Optica was Paul’s Indie rock/Progressive Metal band. Together they released 1 full length CD worldwide in 1993 and numerous demo’s and compilations. Europe particularly gave much attention to Mas Optica in the underground Progressive Rock scene.